Interactions of Earth's Atmosphere and Hydrosphere

Interactions of Earth's Atmosphere and Hydrosphere

• ESS.14 Fluid Earth. The Student knows that Earth's global ocean stores solar energy and is a major driving force for weather and climate through complex atmosphere interactions. 

Significance of the Atmosphere Earth’s atmosphere, along with the abundant liquid water at Earth’s surface, are the keys to our planet’s unique place in the solar system. Much of what makes Earth exceptional depends on the atmosphere. Let’s consider some of the reasons we are lucky to have an atmosphere.

Atmospheric gases, especially oxygen and carbon dioxide, are extremely important for living organisms. Plants use carbon dioxide to make food (sugar) by photosynthesis and they release oxygen as a waste product of photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis is responsible for nearly all of the oxygen currently found in the atmosphere. By producing oxygen and food, plants have made an environment that is favorable for other organisms, including animals. Most organisms use respiration to break down food for energy. This process uses oxygen from the atmosphere and releases carbon dioxide as a waste product.

There are three other reasons we are lucky to have the atmosphere.

• A layer of ozone gas in the stratosphere absorbs high-energy ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. This protects living things on Earth’s surface from these harmful rays. Without ozone for protection, only the simplest life forms would be able to live on Earth.

• The atmosphere moderates Earth’s climate and makes it more hospitable to living things. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, trap heat in the atmosphere. Without these gases, Earth’s temperatures would be frigid at night and scorching during the day.

• Gas molecules in the atmosphere transmit sound waves to our ears and allow us to hear. Without the atmosphere, Earth would be a virtually silent place.